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The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) is the UK’s leading qualification and membership body for accounting staff. We award around 90% of all vocational qualifications in accounting, and are sponsored by the professional accounting bodies CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS. We are based in London, UK.

The AAT has over 120,000 members in more than 90 countries worldwide. Our members include students, people working in accountancy, and self-employed business owners. 

We support our members through more than 450 AAT approved training providers across the world. We also have an extensive branch network where members can access support and training, and meet other AAT members in their local area.

Our vocational qualifications are designed to give our students practical accounting skills that they can use in the workplace. We assess understanding and ability through a combination of exams and skills tests.  These include

• The AAT Accounting Qualification
• The Certificate in Payroll Administration (QCF)
  
• The AAT Level 2 Award in Bookkeeping (QCF)

We have recently introduced computer based exams (CBE) for some qualifications. CBEs run throughout the year, allowing student members to take their exams on a computer, in a supervised environment. CBEs help students to progress through our qualifications at their own pace, rather than being restricted by exam sittings.

The AAT was set up in 1980 by merging two accountancy bodies

• The Institute of Accounting Staff (IAS)
• The Association of Technicians in Finance and Accounting (ATFA)

At the time it had 5,995 members and 19,405 students.

Since then, the AAT has gained more than 120,000 members, and expanded its qualifications and branch network into 90 countries. The branches are run in the same way as they are in the UK, with volunteers giving up their time to support other AAT members in their professional development. 

CIPFA, ICAEW, CIMA and ICAS have continued to support the AAT.

These bodies recognise the skill and aptitude of AAT qualified people by offering them attractive opportunities for further progression.